Metro South Chamber Newsletter


February 2001

Inside this issue...

New BAC Services
A Taste of Metro South
One Stop Career Center
Small Business Nominations

Good Morning Metro South!
February 15 - Holiday Inn

Mayor John T. Yunits, Jr. will be a guest speaker at the Chamber's February Good Morning Metro South. The Mayor will discuss the economic future of the City of Brockton and Metro South region. In addition, the Mayor will discuss the City's recent accomplishments, including funding for the multi-purpose conference/sports center.

Additionally, Norman Goodman, Brockton Hospital; Matthew Bishop, American Red Cross; Eileen Gunn, Toxics Use Reduction Institute; and Marge Levy, Old Colony Hospice, will present information on their respective organizations.

The sponsor is Old Colony Hospice. Old Colony Hospice has been serving Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth counties since 1979. Teams of health care professionals at Old Colony Hospice provide counseling and respite care to patients and their families.

The February Good Morning Metro South (GMMS) will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2001, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South. For more information or to register for the February GMMS, call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 ext. 221.

Metro South Open Heart Surgery Backed by Chamber

Brockton Hospital, along with five other community hospitals, recently submitted an application to perform open heart surgery to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In its application, Brockton Hospital detailed a myriad of factors that make it a worthy first choice for this procedure, including a community categorized by cultural, language and socioeconomic barriers to care, as well as a distinguished record of service, including a longstanding partnership with Boston Medical Center (BMC). It is BMC's top ranked cardiac program which will provide Brockton Hospital with cardiac surgeons and support should its open heart surgery application receive approval. A decision from DPH is not anticipated until early March. The expectation is that not more than three of the applying hospitals will be granted permission to perform the procedure.

Brockton Hospital, a private, non-profit, 268-bed full-service teaching hospital, knows a great deal about serving those in need. At a time when many hospitals in the Commonwealth are financially stressed, Brockton Hospital has remained fiscally strong and focused on providing high quality health care to all, regardless of ability to pay. The third largest free care provider in the state - surpassed only by Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Hospital - Brockton Hospital provided $13 million in free care last year alone, solidifying the organizations reputation for serving those most in need.

The case for open heart surgery in Brockton is compelling. The cardio-vascular death rate in 13 of the 20 communities the hospital serves exceeds the state average. Factoring in limited access to cardiac care for poor, minority and elderly residents compounds the situation. "Our region's death rate from heart disease is frightening," said Norman B. Goodman, President and CEO of Brockton Hospital. "It can be avoided. Good public health policy puts medical services where they are needed most. Looking at the numbers, open heart surgery should be right here in Brockton."

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce firmly supports bringing open heart surgery to the region. Both the community need and Brockton Hospital's ability are clearly defined. Employers and employees of this diverse region will benefit greatly from such a program. For additional information about bringing open heart surgery to Metro South, please call Robert Hughes, Brockton Hospital, at 508-941-7000.

Good News

Chamber members are invited to send information for the Good News column to the Chamber office.

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra is in search of sponsors for its annual "Classics for Kids" performance on April 8th, 2001. Classics for Kids is a joint venture between the Symphony and the Children's Museum in Easton. Next to the Holiday Pops, this is our largest concert of the year, said Symphony Executive Director Geir Jaegersen, and it is our most important. While the Symphony provides the music, the Children's Museum arranges interactive exhibits to enhance the learning experience. One of the most popular features is the Instrument Petting Zoo, where children can actually touch, pick up and play instruments. The theme of this years performance is Music of the World. The Symphony will perform selections written by composers from nearly every continent, including Asia and South America. Local businesses can assist with the costs of producing the concert. Sponsorship packages begin at $250, and more information can be obtained by calling Geir Jaegersen at (508) 588-3841.

The Children's Museum in Easton will hold its Tenth Anniversary Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 17, 2001, at the Massasoit Conference Center. This festive black tie optional affair will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner and dancing to the fabulous sounds of the Moonlighters. A highlight of the evenings celebration will be the presentation of the Museum's Friend of Kids Award to exemplary individuals who truly make a difference in the lives of children and families in the Metro South region. Tickets are available at $60 each. Table and adbook sponsorships are also available. All funds raised this evening will benefit the exhibits and educational programming of the Museum. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact the Museum at (508) 230-3789.

Baynes Electric Supply is pleased to announce that Scott Greiner, of Easton, recently reached a 10-year milestone of employment as Accounting/MIS Manager of the company. Baynes Electric Supply, headquartered in Brockton, is a wholesale distributor of electrical supplies with additional locations in Boston, New Bedford, South Yarmouth, Vineyard Haven and Norwood.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has government-backed loans and technical assistance programs available to small businesses struggling under the financial burden of rapidly rising fuel prices. Existing programs allow SBA to provide loans on short-term working capital under favorable terms. There are also other SBA-guaranteed loans available that will ensure that small businesses have sufficient cash available to continue meeting their energy needs. Additionally, these guaranteed loans will allow small business owners to spread their energy payments over a longer period typically provided by their vendors. For further information, contact the SBA at 617-565-5590.

Scores on patient satisfaction and accreditation surveys continue to place Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center in top percentiles nationwide. The hospital scored in the top seven percent nationwide for patient care and the top five percent nationwide for obstetric care and day surgery in its most recent patient satisfaction survey conducted by Press, Ganey Associates, a provider of surveys and services to more than 1,400 clients across the country.

This tax season, Brotherhood Credit Union will provide free tax help to local senior citizens. A representative from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will be at Brotherhood CU from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning February 7 through April 11 to provide free tax preparation services. Preference will be given to low and moderate income senior citizens over 60 years old. This service is open to Brotherhood CU members and the general public. Brotherhood Credit Union is located at 115 Commercial Street in Brockton. For further information, contact Marc Ruprecht at 508-586-8557.

The Brockton branches of Fleet Bank have presented a total of $3,000 to local organizations that serve the youth of greater Brockton. As part of its Grants for Growing initiative, Fleet has recognized Teen Challenge, Old Colony Y Youth Division and the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton for their commitment to the development of young people in their local communities. The Banking on our Youth initiative has made it possible for Fleet Bank branches throughout Massachusetts to award grants up to $1,000 to local organizations committed to youth education, recreation and mentoring. These grants support Fleets corporate philanthropy program, which emphasizes a healthy start and the continued development of all children as main funding priorities.

Brockton Symphony Orchestra Moves Office to Chamber

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra has moved its administrative office from Belmont Street to the second floor of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce building on School Street, across from city hall.

Brockton Symphony Executive Director Geir Jaegersen and Metro South Chamber President and CEO Christopher Cooney had been planning the move for the past two months. From the moment Chris offered us the space, it was not a matter of if, but when, said Jaegersen. While the office is not much larger than what we had before, it is a much better location. Here, we can be in much closer touch with what is happening in the city and the region.

This is a great opportunity for both of our organizations, said Cooney. Although we are both located in Brockton, our organizations serve a much larger area. By working together, we can enhance our regions offerings through cultural planning and promotion.

The Symphony joins several other non-profit organizations that are tenants of the Chamber building, including the Commonwealth Corporation, the Downtown Brockton Association, MassDevelopment, Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Metro South Business Assistance Center.

Metro South Gears Up For "Taste" Celebration

A Taste of Metro South will be held on Wednesday, March 21, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Massasoit Conference Center, Centre Street, Brockton. Sponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Electric Company, The Enterprise, and WBET, this annual event is a celebration of living and working in the Metro South region. It is a great opportunity to sample tastes from area restaurants, discover cultural and community service organizations, and enjoy live entertainment from local performers.

"A Taste of Metro South" is a great opportunity for our region to celebrate all of the wonderful treasures it has to offer, said Paula Peterson, event chair and executive director of The Children's Museum in Easton. Event coordinators expect over 600 guests based upon past attendance. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Brockton Coalition for the Homeless.

Any restaurant, cultural organization or community service organization that would like to participate in A Taste of Metro South should contact Lisa Keene, Program Director, at 508-586-0500 ext. 231.

CareerWorks:
A One-Stop Career Center for All Your Employment Needs

As a One-Stop Career Center, CareerWorks offers a place for employers and people seeking employment to connect in a customer-friendly, customer-driven environment.

CareerWorks provides the following services for employers:

Free Listing of Jobs on Mass Job Bank
Job referral of qualified candidates
Employer Recruitments at CareerWorks
Connect with a large pool of registered CareerWorks job seekers
School to Career Program
Job Orders are aired weekly on WBET
Employer site visits to assess employment needs
List of resources available through the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Metro South Business Assistance Center and Brockton 21st Century Corp.

CareerWorks assists employers in finding an unmatched pool of professional and skilled labor. Our staff works closely with employers to understand their business goals and to assist with employment outreach services.

CareerWorks also offers job seekers various career placement services. These include: a multi-media resource library with computers, career and occupational assistance with education and training opportunities, help with job hunting strategies, plus a range of career development workshops. The workshops are free and cover basic job searching techniques such as:

Interviewing For Success
Salary Negotiations - Know Your Worth
Dynamic Resumes
Introduction to Computers
Career Exploration

The One-Stop Career Center serves Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman. CareerWorks is located at 157 Centre Street in Brockton. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

CareerWorks is overseen by the Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, chaired by Carmel Shields, and managed by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute.

For more information on CareerWorks services call (508) 513-3400 or visit us online at www.careerworks.org.

Well get you working, hiring, and connected to training.

Government Affairs

The next Government Affairs Committee meeting will be held on Friday, February 9, 2001, at 7:45 a.m., at the Chamber offices.

Representative Francis L. Marini, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives will be the guest speaker. Representative Marini will discuss the Massachusetts GOP and the 2001 Legislative Session. Business related issues, such as education reform, UI tax rates and baby UI are expected to be among the most prevalent issues discussed in Boston this year.

Join other Chamber members for this opportunity to interact with legislators and hear first hand what is in store for the business community on Beacon Hill.

If you would like further information on the Government Affairs Committee, call Roy Nascimento, VP Public Affairs, at 508-586-0500 ext. 225.

Welcome New Investors

Ten new investors have recently joined the Chamber's winning team. They are joining you, the business professional who have invested in your company and the Metro South economy through Chamber membership.

D-World, Inc.
22 Pleasantview Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
Tel: 508-583-5706
Fax: 508-583-5706
Bill Godinho
Internet Services

Direct Media
53 Plain Street
Braintree, MA 02184
Tel: 781-843-2112
Fax: 781-843-3629
Peter Brown
Advertising

Energy Conservation
592 Main Street
Hanson, MA 02341
Tel: 781-294-8171
Fax: 781-294-8171
Christopher Collins
Energy Management

Hardy Catering
3 Mahoney Road
North Easton, MA 02356
Tel: 508-238-8339
Glen Hardy
Catering

Kenwood Tire Company, Inc.
118 South Main Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Tel: 508-583-5031
Fax: 508-583-5034
Spencer Carruthers
Automotive Service

Labor Ready
64 Main Street
Randolph, MA 02368
Tel: 781-963-1221
Fax: 781-963-0367
Debra Bridge
Employment

LedgerPlus
1845 Turnpike Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel: 781-344-9294
Charlene J. Terry
Accountants

Margaritelli USA, Inc.
14B Bristol Drive
Easton, MA 02375
Tel: 508-238-6307
Fax: 508-238-7441
Marco Cimmino
Importers/Exporters

McClaren Heat/Air, Inc.
34 Roseen Road
Holbrook, MA 02343
Tel: 781-767-1830
Fax: 781-767-4552
Arthur McClaren, Jr.
Heating & A/C

RAM Environmental, LLC
One Roberts Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Tel: 508-747-7900
Fax: 508-747-3658
Timothy Condon
Environmental

Our Chamber continues to grow stronger through referrals from our members. Please refer a member today. Call Andrew Voght at 508-586-0500 ext. 229.

Thank You to Renewing Members

The Alpha Group
Auto Trim Design of Charles River
Bay State Gas Company
Bristol Investment Management
Brockton 21st Century Corporation
Brockton Agricultural Society
Brockton Area Transit Authority
Brockton Community Access (BCA)
Brockton Pediatrics, Inc.
Brockton Visiting Nurse Association
Brotherhood Credit Union
Busy Bee Pre-School/Daycare
CASSI
CCU Cleaning Services, Inc.
Comfort-Temp Oil
J. Frank Conley, Inc.
Counter Productions, Inc.
Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home
Dharmas Creative Hair Design
Four Seasons Hair Salon
Franklin Sports, Inc.
Fredericks & Gerardi Insurance Agency
Gardiner Petroleum Co., Inc.
Green Market Services Co., Inc.
Hanson Printing Company
Harry B. Harding & Son, Inc.
Hayward Boynton & Williams, Inc.
Brian Healey Contractor, Inc.
Hennesseys Package Store
Hercules Building Wrecking Co., Inc.
Higher Site
Holiday Inn - Metro South
Holmes-McDuffy Florists, Inc.
Home Health Resources, Inc.
Ideal Pawn, Inc.
Jordans Furniture
MAC Systems, Inc.
Massachusetts Electric Company
C A Matson Glass Company, Inc.
Wayne R. Mathews, Attorney
Mutual Oil Company, Inc.
New England Erectors, Inc.
One Step Ahead
Parent, McLaughlin & Nangle
Pierce Refrigeration, Inc.
Plymouth County Communications
Rextrude
Rockland Trust Company
Shute Auction Gallery
Sims & Sims, PC
Suds Plus Car Wash
Take-Five Vending, Ltd.
Torrey Enterprises, Inc.
Tosca-Brady Insurance Agency, Inc.
Universal Door Company
Viking Uniform & Linen Service
Wally's Catering
Westgate Mall Properties, LLC
Wolf & Company, PC
Ye Olde Standish Grille

U.S. Chamber Awards Metro South Workforce Development Grant

The United States Chamber of Commerce announced today that the Metro South Chamber of Commerce has been selected as one of six demonstration sites to conduct forums on workforce development issues. Selected from an applicant pool of over 70 chambers of commerce around the country, the Metro South Chamber will receive $25,000 from the U.S. Chambers Center for Workforce Preparation through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The leadership and commitment of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce in addressing workforce development within the region is exceptional, said Beth Buehlmann, Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Preparation, a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber. We are excited about the value these Learning Academies will bring to Brockton and the surrounding area.

These forums - or Workforce Learning Academies - will give businesses, investment boards, service providers and community leaders an opportunity to collaboratively address workforce development challenges, including recruitment, hiring, training and education, retention and advancement strategies. Other recipients of this grant include the Greater Cleveland (OH) Growth Association, the Tucson (AZ) Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Salina (KS) Area Chamber of Commerce, the Enterprise (AL) Chamber of Commerce and the Kalispell (MT) Chamber of Commerce.

The Center for Workforce Preparation (CWP) helps chambers of commerce across the country develop workforce strategies to fully equip employees to compete in the 21st century economy. Since 1990, CWP has helped state and local chambers better engage in workforce development and promoted quality education by providing tools, models and best practices.

We are pleased to be working with our partners, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, UMASS Donahue Institute, Brockton Workforce Investment Board and Massasoit Community College, to bring these resources to Metro South for the benefit of our local businesses, said Christopher Cooney, President & CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the worlds largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

BAC Offers New Trade Services

Mike Sullivan, southeastern regional counselor with the Small Business Development Centers international trade program, announces the newly expanded range of counseling services offered through The Massachusetts Export Center at the Metro South BAC. Services include planning, market research, export assessment and strategic development aimed at helping a company gain a new competitive advantage. Students from area colleges assist in data gathering through on-line databases and work in specified industry sectors that are matched with their academic interests. Companies interested in receiving International Trade assistance can call the Center at 508-586-0500. Counselors are available at the Metro South BAC on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC) is pleased to announce the creation of EXPORT METRO SOUTH. The new program, created in conjunction with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at small to medium-sized businesses in the greater Brockton area that wish to increase their export revenue.

Beginning in February, representatives from ITAC will be holding regular office hours at the Metro South BAC to meet one-on-one with local businesses. Companies interested in participating in this no-cost program should contact the International Trade Assistance Center at 508-676-5100.

February Calendar

7 Ambassador Team Meeting 8:00 am

7 Metro South Training Initiative
Workshop 2 - Initial Session 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

8 Business After Hours
Massachusetts Electric Company 5:00 to 7:00 pm

9 Government Affairs Meeting 7:45 am

13 Executive Board Meeting 4:00 pm

15 Good Morning Metro South
Location: Holiday Inn - Metro South 7:30 to 9:30 am

19 President's Day Chamber Offices Closed

21 Metro South Training Initiative
Workshop 2 - Follow-up Session 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

22 Metro South Leads Group 8:00 to 9:30 am

27 Metro South Training Initiative
Workshop 3 - Initiative Session 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

28 Board of Directors Meeting 12:00 noon

March Calendar

1 Venture Forum
Martin Institute, Stonehill College 6:30 to 9:00 pm

12 SEED Workshop
"Fundamentals of Starting Your Own Business" 6:00 to 9:30 pm

13 Metro South Training Initiative
Workshop 3 - Follow-up Session 9:00 to 11:00 am

21 A Taste of Metro South
Massasoit Conference Center 5:00 to 8:00 pm

26 SEED Workshop
"Understanding and Preparing Financial Statements" 6:00 to 9:30 pm

28 Legislative Breakfast
Sponsor: Massasoit Community College
Location: Massasoit Conference Center 7:30 to 9:00 am

30 Human Resource Management Council
Holiday Inn - Metro South 8:00 to 10:00 am

Note: All meetings are held at the Metro South Chamber office or Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC) unless otherwise indicated

BAC Workshops

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and the Southeastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, is planning a series of educational workshops* aimed at assisting potential and existing entrepreneurs. The workshops and materials are free and light refreshments will be served.

The first of these workshops is going to take place at the Metro South Business Assistance Center (BAC), on Monday, March 12, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. The workshop will help potential entrepreneurs re-evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning ones own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing and the loan application process will be presented. Attendees will also be provided with a guide to writing a business plan.

The second workshop will be held at the BAC on Monday, March 26, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. The workshop will help attendees understand the purpose and make-up of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The workshop also explains how financial statements help the small business owner anticipate financial needs and operate his/her business more efficiently.

SEED Corp., the presenter, is a non-profit organization certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and designated as an Intermediary under the SBA's Microenterprise Intermediary Program. This program is designed to provide loans to new and existing business owners for up to $35,000. As a regional economic development organization, SEED Corp. offers a full range of financing programs to assist small businesses in growing and creating jobs in southeastern Massachusetts. SEED works with other economic development and financing institutions throughout the region to ensure that individuals who are committed to owning and operating a small business in southeastern Massachusetts are able to get the assistance they need to be successful.

* Funds to support these workshops have been made available through the State of Massachusetts Dept. of Housing and Community Developments CDBG program as well as through the SBA's Microenterprise Intermediary Program.

Metro South Seminars

On Thursday, February 22, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Massasoit Community College Professional Development Center will conduct a Workplace Violence Prevention seminar. This full-day seminar will be held at the Massasoit Conference Center located on Crescent Street in Brockton. John N. Sabourin, Violence Prevention Trainer, will instruct the audience on awareness, warning signs, reporting, corrective action, policy and procedure, and conducting a security/safety assessment for violence prevention. The investment is $150 and includes refreshments and a luncheon buffet. For further information or to register, contact Al Asiaf at 508-588-9100 ext. 2010.

On Wednesday, March 7, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., Edward Jones Investments, in conjunction with Van Kampen Investments, will host the seminar "Smart Women Finish Rich" at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce located at Sixty School Street in Brockton. "Smart Women Finish Rich" is both fun and educational. It was developed by Van Kampen on an exclusive basis with David Bach, the author of the New York Times best-selling book of the same name. Since its inception, the turnkey public seminar has been held n more than 1,000 cities nationwide and has been adapted into a PBS television show hosted by Bach. The seminar provides women with seven simple steps to living a fuller, richer life. Attendees learn how to start improving the quality of their financial lives. This motivational seminar also helps to empower women to walk away with information that can help them to achieve financial security.

On March 22, 29 and April 5, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Rosemarie Lanchester will conduct a three-part networking seminar at Massasoit Community Colleges Canton Campus located at 900 Randolph Street. "Learn the Art of Networking to Enhance Your Business and Put Money in Your Pocket" will teach students how networking provides an effective avenue to increase business profits. Students will actively participate in networking exercises, education and home assignments that will aid them in developing their own individual style. The investment is $95. For further information, call 781-821-2222.

~ Member Profile ~
RAM Environmental, LLC

Company Name: RAM Environmental, LLC

Address: One Roberts Road, Plymouth, MA

Telephone: 508-747-7900

Website: www.ramenvironmental.com

Year Established: 1996

Number of Employees: 25

Products or Services: RAM Environmental is an environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental compliance, permitting, assessment and design/build remediation.

What is your market area? Our market area is Central and Eastern Massachusetts.

What markets do you serve? Our markets include real estate, industrial, banking/lending, developers, automotive/gasoline, utilities and law firms.

What is unique or special about your firm and the products and services you offer? RAM Environmental is a client service-oriented firm. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and schedules to ensure those needs and schedules are met. RAM Environmental also works closely with regulatory agencies to provide a voice in protecting the interests of our clients.

What is your main business objective concerning your customers and the business community? Providing the support and services that will achieve the goals of our clients.

A Member Profile will be featured in each issue of the Action Report. Members will be selected randomly from those in attendance at the monthly Good Morning Metro South breakfast. Attending a Good Morning Metro South is great exposure for your business. The next Good Morning Metro South breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 15, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., at the Holiday Inn - Metro South. Bring your business cards and increase your company's chance of being selected as next month's featured business.

Southeastern Massachusetts Venture Forum ~ March 1st

The second monthly Southeastern Massachusetts Venture Forum will be held Thursday, March 1, 2001, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., at the Martin Institute, Stonehill Colleges regional center for education, research, and public service. Unique to Southeastern Massachusetts, the Forums purpose is to highlight regional entrepreneurs and growth company issues. As a result, the Forum is expected to increase the visibility of new venture opportunities for investors and other stakeholders, while strengthening and building an emerging entrepreneurial network in this region.

The March 1st Forum will feature Michael Dexter-Smith, President and CEO of VenturCom. Mr. Smith will address how he has used financial statements as a tool for steering a company. VenturCom is a portfolio company of Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation. Founded 20 years ago, the company changed in 1995 from a Unix-based consulting firm to a Windows NT-based software company. In addition to making specialized equipment software, VenturCom also develops software for photocopiers and medical, communications, gaming and entertainment equipment.

March's case study will focus on Light Bead LLC. Founded in February 2000, Light Beads mission is to produce and sell retro-reflective products to improve nighttime visibility and safety. Light Bead has created and introduced a "third generation" product that can be used in reflective safety coatings, garments and graphics. Brian W. Murray, Ph. D., will present the firm's business plan and get input from a team of panelists and the audience.

The Forum is managed by Southeastern Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership, an industry-led, private non-profit corporation, in collaboration with NTB Associates, a Bridgewater marketing consulting firm. In addition to the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Stonehill College, charter sponsors include Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation, Bristol County Savings Bank, D & D Web Works, Karam Financial Group, Massachusetts Electric and NSTAR.

The March Forum is sponsored by NSTAR. NSTAR is the parent company of NSTAR Electric and NSTAR Gas. As Massachusetts largest investor-owned electric and gas utility, NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.3 million residential and business customers in over 100 Eastern Massachusetts communities. NSTAR also has unregulated subsidiaries in telecommunications and other energy-related fields.

For more information, visit their website: nstaronline.com.

During 2001, eight monthly Forum programs will be held. Each monthly program will have two elements: a presentation on a topic of interest to entrepreneurs, followed by a case study of an emerging company. The case study will include a review by a panel of three experts who will have the opportunity to review the formal business plan prior to the entrepreneurs presentation of the plan to the audience. Following the panel discussion the audience will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to the presentation.

Scheduled dates for the remaining 2001 programs are March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, October 4, November 1 and December 6. There is a $10.00 registration fee. For more information or to get on the Forum mailing list, contact the Partnership at (508) 824-3600.

All-America City Committee Meeting February 8

The next meeting of the Brockton All-America City Committee is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Raymond School on Oak Street in Brockton. The Committee is in the process of preparing an application for the National All-America City Award. The award is great exposure for the City of Brockton and a wonderful opportunity for Brockton to celebrate its accomplishments. The award will heighten national attention for Brockton, improve the image and reputation of the city, promote community spirit and pride, and help recruit industry, jobs and investment to our community. Civic groups are invited to participate. For more information contact Linda Kenney at 508-577-5433.

D.W. Field Park Named to the National Register of Historic Places

After a three year campaign, D.W. Field Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The 756- acre park, designed and donated by Daniel Waldo Field, was modeled in the Olmstead tradition of a scenic parkway with vistas of lakes and ponds surrounded by woodlands. The park features a stone observation tower, golfcourse, walking paths and a duck-feeding area.

Nominations Being Accepted for 10th Annual Awards

The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Fleet Small Business Services are joining forces to recognize the achievements and contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the Metro South region. All Chamber members are invited to participate in the selection process to name the Tenth Annual "Small Business of the Year" and "Entrepreneur of the Year" award winners.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Each year, we are proud to turn a special spotlight on small businesses and their valuable contribution to our community," said Christopher Cooney, President and CEO of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to receiving nominations from you."

Nomination is easy...

You may nominate your own business or any other business you deem worthy. Submit a summary of your reasons for the nomination, based on the criteria listed below. Call or fax the Chamber office for nomination forms. You may include any additional documentation that will help illustrate why the business is deserving of the award. Nominees do not need to be members of the Chamber. Nominees must be a for-profit business.

Criteria...

Employment/Staying Power. The Small Business of the Year nominee must have been in business for a minimum of three consecutive years under the current ownership, and have between 10 and 50 full-time equivalent employees. The Entrepreneur of the Year nominee must have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.

Growth. The nominee should demonstrate growth in employees, revenues and profitability.

Innovation. The firm should demonstrate creativity and imagination in the development of its business or in its product or service.

Social Responsibility. Nominees should reflect internal and external social responsibility, which may include one or more of the following points: strong, comprehensive employee relations programs; efforts by the company and its staff to aid or benefit the community through personal involvement and/or donations of other company resources; efforts to encourage diversity in its workforce and management; activity in the business community through involvement in industry or professional organizations; and development of other programs relating to social and community betterment.

Nominations are due by Thursday, March 1, 2001. Call the Chamber office at 508-586-0500 to request an easy-to-complete nomination form. Winners will be selected by the Chambers Award Selection Committee and will be announced at a special Good Morning Metro South on May 22, 2001. Award recipients will receive an engraved plaque and extensive promotion honoring their business and achievements.

Good Morning Metro South! February 15 - Holiday Inn